Process for the conversion of 3-enol ethers of 3-keto-delta**4-steroids unsubstituted at c4 and c6 to the corresponding 3 - keto - delta**4-6beta - (n-disubstituted)aminomethyl compounds

ABSTRACT

THIS INVENTION RELATES TO A NOVEL AND GENERAL PROCESS FOR THE CONVERSION OF THE 3-ENOL ETHERS (1) OF 3-KETO-$4STEROIDS, UNSUBSTITUTED AT THE 4 AND 6 POSITIONS, OF THE ANDROSTANE, 19-NORADROSTANE, PREGNANE, 19-NORPREGNANE, STIGMASTANE AND SPIROSTANE SERIES INTO THE CORRESPONDING 3-KETO-$4-6B-(N-DISUBSTITUTED) AMINOMETHYL DERIVATIVES (III). THE COMPOUNDS OF FORMULA III HAVE ANABOLIC, ANDROGENIC, ANTI-FERTILITY, ANTI-FLAMMATORY AND ESTROGENIC ACTIVITIES, AND ARE CONSEQUENTLY USEFUL IN TREATING MAMMALS, INCLUDING HUMANS, BIRDS AND OTHER ANIMALS IN THOSE CONDITIONS AND/OR AILMENTS WHERE SUCH ACTIVITIES ARESIRED. FOR EXAMPLE, IN PREVENTING PREGNANCY, INCREASING PELT SIZE IN FEMALE MINK, TREATING ARTHRITIS, OSTEOPOROSIS, ETC. THE COMPOUNDS OF FORMULA III ARE ADDITIONALLY USEFUL AS INTERMEDIATES IN THE PREPARATION, BY KNOWN METHODS, OF THE PHYSIOLOGICALLY ACTIVE AND THERAPEUTICALLY USEFUL 6METHYL STEROIDS, SUCH AS MEDROXYPROGESTERONE ACETATE (6A-METHYL-17A-HYDROXY-4-PREGNENE-3,20-DIONE-17ACETATE), DIMETHISTERONE (6A-METHYL-17B-HYDROXY-17A-(1PROPYNYL)-4-ANDROSTEN-3-ONE), METHYLPRENISOLONE (6AMETHYL-11B,17A,21-TRIHYDROXY-1,4-PREGNADIENE-3,20DIONE), FLUOROMETHYLONE (6A-METHYL-9A-FLUORO-11B,17A-DIHYDROXY-1,4-PREGNADIENE-3,20-DIONE), ETC.

United States Patent Office Patented Nov. 14, 1972 ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE This invention relates to a novel and general process for the conversion of the 3-enol ethers (1) of 3-keto-A steroids, unsubstituted at the 4 and 6 positions, of the androstane, 19-norandrostane, pregnane, l9-norpregnane, stigmastane and spirostane series into the corresponding 3 keto-A -6B-(N-disubstituted) aminomethyl derivatives (III). The compounds of Formula III have anabolic, androgenic, anti-fertility, anti-inflammatory and estrogenic activities, and are consequently useful in treating mammals, including humans, birds and other animals in those conditions and/or ailments where such activities are desired. For example, in preventing pregnancy, increasing pelt size in female mink, treating arthritis, osteoporosis, etc. The compounds of Formula III are additionally useful as intermediates in the preparation, by known methods, of the physiologically active and therapeutically useful 6- methyl steroids, such as medroxyprogesterone acetate (6a-methyl-l7a-hydroxy 4 pregnene 3,20 dione-17- acetate), dimethisterone [6a-methyl-l7fl'hydroxy17a-(1- propynyl)-4-androsten 3 one], methylprenisolone (6ozmethyl-llfl,l7a,21-trihydroxy 1,4 pregnadiene 3,20- dione), fluoromethylone (6u-methyl-9u-fluoro-l1,8,17a-dihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione), etc.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVEN'IIION The present invention provides a process for the preparation of 3-keto A 6,8-(N-disubtituted)aminomethyl steroids of the androstane, 19-norandrostane, pregnane, l9-norpregnane, stigmastane and spirostane series having in rings A and B of the steroid nucleus the structure:

E III wherein R and R are independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl of from one through twelve carbon atoms, hydroxyalkyl of from one through twelve carbon atoms, cycloalkyl of from three through eight carbon atoms, aryl of from six through fourteen carbon atoms, alkaryl wherein the aryl moiety is from six through fourteen carbon atoms and the alkyl group(s) substituted therein contain(s) from one through twelve carbon atoms, aralkyl wherein the alkyl moiety is from one through twelve carbon atoms and the aryl group(s) substituted therein contain(s) from six through fourteen carbon atoms, and R, R and N when taken together form a secondary cyclic alkylene amino group containing from five through seven members, which process comprises mixing a corresponding secondary amine of the formula:

R H wherein R and R have the same meaning as above, with formaldehyde, a strong acid and a corresponding steroid compound having in rings A and B of the steroid nucleus the structure:

wherein R has the same meaning as above.

Androstane series is defined herein as those compounds containing the carbon atoms skeleton:

in which each of the carbon-carbon linkages can be either single or double bonded, and which can have carbon, and/or other atoms as substituents attached to the carbon atom skeleton.

19-norpregnane series is defined herein as those compounds that dilfer from pregnane series compounds in that the former lack the methyl group at C attached to C that characterizes the latter.

Stigmastane series is defined herein as those compounds containing the carbon atom skeleton:

28 29 H; CHr-CH: CH]

/26 HCHnCHz-CH-CH 20 22 23 24 25\ Spirostane series is defined herein as those compounds containing the carbon atom skeleton:

Examples of alkyl of from one through twelve carbon atoms are methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, nonyl, decyl, undecyl and dodecyl and the isomeric forms thereof. Examples of hydroxyalkyl of from one through twelve carbon atoms are hydroxymethyl, hydroxyethyl, hydroxypropyl, hydroxybutyl, hydroxypentyl, hydroxyhexyl, hydroxyheptyl, hydroxyoctyl, hydroxynonyl, hydroxydecyl, hydroxyundecyl and bydroxydodecyl and the isomeric forms thereof. Examples of cycloalkyl are cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, cyclooctyl, 2 methylcyclobutyl, 2,3 diethylcyclobutyl, 4 propylcyclobutyl, 3 cyclopentylpropyl, etc. Examples of aryl are phenyl, diphenyl, naphthyl, anthryl, etc. Examples of alkaryl are tolyl, xylyl, 2,4,6 triethylphenyl, 3 butylxylyl, 5 hexyltolyl, 2 propyl 3 octyl-naphthyl, 2-pentyl-4-decy1naphthyl, 3 decyl 5 anthryl, etc., and the isomeric forms thereof. Examples of aralkyl are benzyl, phenethyl, tX-PhCnyl' propyl, ot-naphthylbutyl, fi-anthrylpropyl, etc., and the isomeric forms thereof.

The GB-(N-disubstituted)aminomethylation process of this invention is generally applicable to the enolic derivatives of 3-keto-A -steroids. It can be successfully applied to androstane, 19-norandrostane, 9y8,10u-androstane, pregnane, 19-norpregnane, 9'fl,lOa-pregnane, spirostane, cholestane, ergostane and stigmastane series compounds. The foregoing starting compounds can contain the substituents listed below:

Hydroxyl groups and functional derivatives thereof in such positions of the steroid nucleus as 11, 12, 14, 15, 16 (including 16-hydroxymethyl), 17, 18, 20 and 21 (including the condensation products of 16u,17a-glycols with carbonyl components),

Carbonyl groups such as at C11, C12 C15 Cm, C C18: 19 and 20 Carbalkoxy groups at C C and C or in the side chain,

Alkyl groups other than at C and C especially at 2, 11 16, 17 and 21 Vinyl, allyl, alkynyl and haloal kynyl groups at C Methylene and ethylidene groups at C C C and GIG-C17 Lactone, ether and spiroketal residues such as -O-CO-CH attached to C etheric groups at C and bridging C and C spiroketal moieties such as are present in diosgenone and spirostane,

Chlorine, bromine or fluorine substituents in rings C or D or in the side chain,

Unsaturated linkages at 0 C C C C and rime),

Ketol groups at C11"C12 GIG-C17, ir- 20 and an- 21 Epoxides at Gu -C 7,

Corticoid side chains which can be acylated, diacylated, condensed with carbonyl components such as formalde' hyde or acetone (as 2,2-dimethoxypropane) or with ester components such as ethyl orthoformate, ethyl acetoacetate or other functional derivatives thereof as are known to those skilled in the steroid art.

The process of this invention can be used for the 6- (N-disubstituted)aminomethylation of 3-enol ethers (and acyl derivatives thereof) derived from such 3-keto-4- ones (I) as those that follow: testosterone, 2-methyltestosterone, 17u-methy1testosterone, 9(11) dehydro cmethyltestosterone, 17a-propynyltestosterone, 17a acyloxyprogesterone, 9(1l)-dehydro-17x acyloxyprogesterone, 16-methyl-17a-acy1oxyprogesterone, 9 1 l )-dehydro- 16-methy1-17a-acyloxyprogesterone, 16-methylene 17a.- acyloxyprogesterone, 9(1l)-dehydro-16-methylene 17aacyloxyprogesterone, 17a acyloxy 16 ethylideneprogesterone, 16a,17oc dimethylmethylenedioxyprogesterone, 9( 11)-dehydro-16a,17a-dimethylmethylenedioxyprogesterone, cortisone, 16-methylcortisoue, 21-methy1- cortisone, l6-methylenecortisone, 16a-hydroxy cortisone and the (16a,17u)-acetonide thereof, hydrocortisone, 16- methylhydrocortisone, 21 methylhydrocortisone, l6- methylenehydrocortisone, 16a hydroxyhydrocortisone and the (l6a,l7a)-acetonide thereof, 170:,21-dihYd10XY- pregna-4,9(11)-diene-3,20-dione, 16-methyl-17a,21 dihydroxypregna-4,9(11)-diene-3,20 dione, 21 methyl- 17u,21-dihydroxypregna-4,9(11)-diene-3,20 dione, 16 methylene-17a;1-dihydroxypregna-4,9(11)-diene 3,20- dione, 16ot-hydroxy-l7cz,21 dihydroxypregna 4,9(11)- diene-3,20-dione and the (16,17)-acet0nide thereof, 21- fluoro-17a-hydroxypregna-4,9(11)-diene-3,20 dione and the (16,17)-acetonide thereof, 21 fluoro-17a hydroxypregn4-ene-3,11-20-trione and the (16,17)-acetonide thereof, 21-fiuoro-11,17a-dihydroxypregn 4 ene-3,20- dione and the (l6,17)-acetonide thereof, 21-hydroxypregna-4,17-dien-3-one, ll-oxo2l-hydroxypregna 4,17- dien-3-one, 11,2l-dihydroxypregna-4,17-dien 3 one, 9(11)dehydro-2l-hydroxypregna-4,17-dien-3-one, 3 oxopregna-4,17(20)-dien-2l-oic acid (esters), 3,11-dioxopregna-4,l7(20)-dien-21-oic acid (esters), 11-hydroxy- 3-oxopregna-4,17(20)-dien-21-oic acid (esters) 9(ll)-dehydro-3-oxopregna4,l7(20)-dien 21 oic acid (esters), 21-fiuoro 17cc acyloxyprogesterone, progesterone, 16 methylprogesterone, ll-oxoprogesterone, 9 1 1 )-dehydroprogesterone, 21-methylprogesterone, diosgenone, 170ccyano-17fl-hydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one, 16-methyl 16,17- dehydroprogesterone, 16 cyano-progesterone, 16 carbalkoxyprogesterone, 16 hydroxymethylprogesterone, 3- (3oxo-17B-hydroxy-androst-4-en-17a yl)propionic acid, 21-fluoroprogesterone, testololactone, 16 fluoro corticoids, 17a-hydroxyprogesterone, 3,11dioXopregna-1,4,17 (20)-trien-21-oci acid (esters), l-methoxy 3,11 dioxopregna-4,17(20)-dien-2l-oic acid (esters), 11oz (and 13), 17a-dihydroxy progesterone, 11-oxo-17u-hydroxy progesterone, 3-oxo 11,8,21 dihydroxypregna 4,17(20)- diene (21-acetate) and 3-oxo-11/8-21-dihydroxypregna- 1,4,l7(20)-triene (ZI-acetate). The 9a-fluoro derivatives of the above lib-hydroxy and ll-keto steroids.

It is well known in the steroid art that the introduction of a 6-methyl group into a steroid molecule often imparts significant biological activity to the thus methylated compound. Consequently, the 6B-(N-disubstituted)aminomethyl steroids (III) prepared by the process of this invention can be advantageously employed as precursors of 6-methyl steroids by the following methods:

(1) By alkylating the tertiary amine group with an alkylating agent such as methyl iodide or dimethylsu'lfate followed by elimination to yield a G-methylene derivative which can be reduced by transfer hydrogenation in accordance with the method described in Tetrahedron 21, 1619, to yield a corresponding 6-methyl steroid.

(2) By preparing the N-oxide from the corresponding tertiary amine (by reaction with hydrogen peroxide), followed by elimination and hydrogenation as in (1), above.

(3) By treating the corresponding steroidal tertiary amine, in which R and/or R is an aromatic residue, with strong mineral acid to yield a 6-methylene derivative which can be hydrogenated as in (1), above.

In carrying out the process of the present invention (I+II+formaldehyde- III), a compound of Formula I in a solvent (such as methanol, ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, t-butanol, tetrahydrofuran, dioxane, 1,2-dimethoxyethane, etc.) has a secondary amine (II) (as the free base or its acid salt, e.g., the hydrochloride, sulfate or p-toluenesulfonate), formaldehyde (in the form of a 20 to 40% aqueous solution or as paraformaldehyde) and a strong acid added thereto and the reaction mixture maintained at ambient to reflux temperature, to give the 3-keto-A -6 3- (N disubstituted)aminomethyl counterpart (III).

The reaction of a compound of Formula I with a secondary amine (II) and formaldehyde is catalyzed by the secondary amine salt. When tetrahydrofuran is the solvent, negligible reaction occurs in the absence of amine salt; but when a strong acid (e.g., p-toluenesulfonic, hydrochloric, sulfuric or nitric acid) is added to the reaction mixture, the formation of the 3-keto-A -6B-(N-disubstituted)-aminomethyl product (III) proceeds readily. Increasing the amount of acid hastens completion of the reaction; e.g., in Example 1, below, the reaction required 100 hours for completion when 10 mg. of p-toluenesulfonic acid was employed, but only 3 hours when the amount of this acid was raised to 1.5 g. The molar amount of secondary amine (II) must exceed the amount of acid (hence amine salt) added to insure that the reaction is maintained at a basic pH.

The molar equivalents of secondary amine (II) and formaldehyde must be equal to or greater than that of the starting steroid (I). The molecular ratios of the compound of Formula I, the secondary amine of Formula II and formaldehyde can be varied, molar ratios of about 1:1:1 up to those wherein the amine (II) and formaldehyde are about twenty times that of the starting steroid compound (I), are satisfactory. Since formaldehyde is quite volatile and the reaction time relatively long, a large excess can be added initially or additional formaldehyde added periodically during the course of the reaction. This also applies to the secondary amine (II), particularly when it is a volatile one like dimethylamine.

The choice of solvent is dictated to some extent by the solubility of the starting enol ether (1) in that solvent. Alcohols such as those listed above can be employed, but polar aprotic solvents such as tetrahydrofuran, dioxane and 1,2-dimethoxyethane are the most efficient.

Since the steroidal enol ether (1) is sensitive to acid, the reaction must be carried out under basic conditions. The secondary amine (II) can be employed as the free base or if an acid salt (e.g., the hydrochloride, sulfate or p-toluenesulfonate) of the amine is used, some of the free amine is added to the reaction mixture to make certain that the reaction remains at an alkaline pH value. Straight chain secondary amines (H) such as dimethylamine, methylethylamine, diethylamine, ethylbutylamine, etc., or cyclic (e.g., piperidine, substituted piperidines such as 3-propylpiperidine, 2,4-dimethylpiperidine, 2- ethyl-6-methylpiperidine, pyrrolidine, substituted pyrrolidines such as Z-methylpiperidine, 2,3-diethylpyrrolidine, etc.) aliphatic secondary amines (II) can be used. Aromatic secondary amines (II) such as diphenylamine, methylphenylamine, N-methylaniline, N-ethylaniline, N- methyl-p-toluidine, etc., can also be employed.

The time required for the completion of the reaction depends upon such factors as the type of secondary amine, the particular starting steroid (1), its solubility, its relative amount in relation to secondary amine (II) and formaldehyde, thoroughness of mixing, solvent and the like. Therefore it will be understood that the optimum reaction time will vary for each set of reaction conditions. Ordinarily, the reaction will go to completion within from about 30 minutes to about five days.

After completion ofthe reaction between I, II and formaldehyde, the thus formed 6,8-(N-disubstituted) aminomethyl product (III) is readily isolated in high yield from the reaction mixture by conventional means; for example, by evaporating the solvent, dissolving the residue in a solvent (such as benzene), extracting the solution with water, then dilute acid, neutralizing the acid phase with dilute alkali (e.g., sodium carbonate) and extracting with a solvent such as methylene chloride, washing the methylene chloride layer with dilute hydrochloric acid, dilute sodium carbonate solution, then drying and evaporating the methylene chloride to give a high yield of product (III).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION It is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the exact details of operation or exact compounds shown and described herein, as obvious modifications and equivalents will be apparent to one skilled in the art, and the invention is therefore to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

EXAMPLE 1 dfi-piperidinomethyl-I 7 a-hydroxy-4-pregnene-3,2 O-dione 1 7-acetate (III) To a solution of 3 g. of 17a-l1ydroxy-3-methoxy-3,5- pregnadien-ZO-one l7-acetate (I) in 30 ml. of tetrahydrofuran, 1.5 ml. of piperidine (II), 0.5 ml. of 37% Formalin and 10 mg. of p-toluenesulfonic acid is added. This solution is refluxed on a steam bath for about hours. During the reflux period, increments totaling 3 ml. of 37% Formalin and 2 ml. of piperidine are added. The tetrahydrofuran is evaporated and the resulting residue extracted with benzene. The benzene solution is extracted with water and then with 0.2 N sulfuric acid. The acid phase is neutralized with dilute sodium carbonate solution and then extracted With methylene chloride. The methylene chloride layer is washed with dilute hydrochloric acid solution, dilute sodium carbonate solution, dried and the solvent evaporated to give a high yield of 6fl-piperidinomethyl-l7a-hydroxy-4-pregnene 3,20dione 17-acetate (III).

Following the procedure of Example 1 but using 1.5 g. of p-toluenesulfonic acid instead of 10 mg. thereof, the reaction producing 6 3- piperidinomethyl-17a-hydroxy-4- pregnene-3,20-dione 17-acetate (III) is complete in 3 hours.

Following the procedure of Example 1 and the paragraph thereafter but substituting other compounds of Formula H, such as (1) 2-propylpiperidine (II),

(2) 2,6-dimethylpiperidine (II), (3) 2-ethyl-G-methylpiperidine (II), (4) pyrrolidine (II),

(5) 3-ethylpyrrolidine (H),

(6) 2,4-dimethylpyrrolidine (II), (7) dimethylamine (II),

(8) ethylbutylamine (11), etc.,

yields, respectively,

(1 6,8-(2-propyl piperidinomethyl)-l7a-hydroxy4- pregnene-3,20-dione 17-acetate (HI),

(2) 6,H-(2,6-dimethyl piperidinomethyl)-17a-hydroxy4- pregnene-3,20-dione 17-acetate (III),

(3) 6B-(2-ethyl-6-methyl piperidinomethyl)-17ahydroxy-3,20-dione 17-acetate (III),

(4) 6,8-pyrrolidinomethyl-l7a-hydroxy-4pregnene- 3,20-dione 17-acetate (III),

(5) 6B-(S-ethylpyrrolidinomethyl)-l7a-hydroxy-4- pregnene-3,20-dione 17-acetate (III),

(6) 6/8-(2,4-dimethylpyrrolidinomethyl)-l7a-hydroxy- 4-pregnene-3,20-dione 17-acetate (III),

(7) ofi-dimethylaminomethyl-l7u-hydroxy-4-pregnene- 3,20-dione l7-acetate (III),

(8) Gfl-ethylbutylaminomethyl-l7a-hydroxy-4-pregnene- 3,20-dione 17-acetate (III), etc.

EXAMPLE 2 6j3- (2propylpiperidin0methyl -11 [3,1 7u,21-trihydroxy- 4-pregnene-3,20-dione 17-valerate (III) Following the procedure of Example 1 and the paragraphs thereafter but substituting l,3-dibutoxy-ll,8,l7a,

7 2l-trihydroxy-3,5-pregnadien-20-one 17-valerate (I) and 2-propylpiperidine (II) for the starting material (I) and secondary amine (II) employed therein, yields 6fi-(2- propylpiperidinomethyl)-1lfl,l7u,21 trihydroxy 4-pregnene-3,20-dione 17-valerate (III).

EXAMPLE 3 6B-(2,6-a'imelhylpiperidinomethyl) -3-ket0-1,4,17(20) pregnatrz'en-Z]-ethyl-0ate (111) Following the procedure of Example 2 but substituting 3-cyclopentyloxy- 1 ,3,5, 17 20) -pregnatetraene 2 l -ethyloate (II) and 2, 6-dimethylpiperidine (II) yields 65-(2,6- dimethylpiperidinomethyl) 3 keto-1,4,l7(20)-pregnatrien-ZI-ethyl-oate (III).

EXAMPLE 4 6B-(hexamethyleneiminomethyl)-1 7a,21-dihydroxy-1,4- pregnadiene-3,I1,20-trine 21 -butyrate (III) EXAMPLE 6 6/3- (3-ethylpyrrolidinomethyl) 7ot-hydr0xy-4-pregnne- 3,20-di0ne (III) Following the procedure of Example 2 but substituting 3-ethoxy-l7a hydroxy 3,5 pregnadien-ZO-one (I) and 3-ethyl-pyrrolidine, yields 6,8-(3-ethylpyrrolidinomethyl)-17-hydroxy-4pregnene-3,ZO-dione (III).

EXAMPLE 7 6B-(2,4-dimethylpyrrolidinomethyl)-4-pregnene-3, 11,20-tri0ne (III) Following the procedure of Example 2 but substituting 3-naphth0xy-3,S-pregnadiene 11,20 dione (I) and 2,4- dimethylpyrrolidine (II), yields 6/3-(2,4-dimethylpyrrolidinomethyl -4-pregnene-3 ,1 1,20-trione (III) EXAMPLE 8 Methyl 6fl-dimethylaminomethyl-3,11-di0x0-1,4,1 7- (20 -pregnatriene-21 -0ate (Ill Following the procedure of Example 2 but substituting methyl 1a,3-dimethoxy-3,5,17(20)-pregnatrien-1l-one 21- oate (I) and dimethyl-amine (II), yields methyl 6B-dimethylaminomethyl-3,1l-dioxo l,4,17(20)-pregnatriene- 2l-oate (III).

EXAMPLE 9 6,8-ethylbutylamirzomethyl-4-androstene-3,1 7-di0ne (III Following the procedure of Example 2 but substituting 3-phenoxy-3,S-androstadien-l7-one (I) and ethylbutylamine (II), yields 65-ethylbutylaminomethyl-4-androstene-3,l7-dione (III).

EXAMPLE 10 6f3- (2-pr0pylpiperidin0methyl -1 7 a-ethyny H 7 18- hydr0xy-4-andr0sten-3-one (III) Following the procedure of Example 2 but substituting 3-hexyloxy 17o: ethynyl-17,6-hydroxy-3,S-androstadiene (I) and 2-propylpiperidine (II), yields 6,8-(2-propylpiperidinomethyl)-l7a-ethynyl-17fi-hydroxy 4 androsten 3- one (-III).

8 EXAMPLE 11 6,9- (2,6-dimethylpiperidinomethyl)-25D-spirosta- 4-en-3-0ne (III) Following the procedure of Example 2 but substituting 3-(3-propylphenoxy)-25D-spirosta-3,S-diene (I) and 2,6- dimethylpiperidine (II), yields 6/3-(2,6-dimethylpiperidinomethyl)-25D-spirosta-4-en-3-one (HI).

EXAMPLE 12 6,6-(2-ethyl-6-methylpiperidinomethyl)-11,B,17u,21 trihydraxy-4-pregnene-3,20-dione 1 7a,21-acetonide (Ill) Following the procedure of Example 2 but substituting 3-phenoxy-11 3,l7u,21 trihydroxy-3,S-pregnadien-ZO-one 17a,2l-acetonide (I) and 2-ethyl-6-methylpiperidine (H), yields 6B-(2-ethyl-G-methylpiperidinomethyl)-11fi,17a,21- trihydroxy-4-pregnene-3,20-dione 17a,2l-acetonide (III).

EXAMPLE l3 -pyrr0lidinomethyl-1 7p-hydr0xy-1 7a-vinyl-L4- andr0stadien-3-0ne (Ill) Following the procedure of Example 2 but substituting 3-butoxy-17fi-hydroxy-17a-vinyl-l,3,5 androstatriene (I) and pyrrolidine (II), yields 6p-pyrrolidino-17p-hydroxy- 17a-vinyl-1,4-androstadien-3-one (HI) EXAMPLE l4 6 (3-ethyl pyrrolidinomethyl -1 7 (1,21 -methoxymethylenedioxy-4-pregnene-3,11,20-tri0ne (III) Following the procedure of Example 2 but substituting 3-(3-butylphenoxy) 1711,2l-methoxymethylenedioxy-3,5- pregnadiene-ll,20-dione (I) and S-ethylpyrrolidine (II), yields 6/8-(3 ethylpyrrolidinomethyl) 1711,21 methoxymethylenedioxy-4-pregnene-3,1 1,20-trione (III).

EXAMPLE 15 6p-(di-N-propylaminomethyl)-4-pregnen-18-oic acid (18+ 20) lactone-3-0ne (Ill) Following the procedure of Example 2 but substituting 3-(2 propylnaphthoxy) 3,5 pregnadien 18 oic acid (l8- 20)lactone (I) and dipropylamine (II), yields 63- (di N propylaminomethyl) 4 pregnen 18 oic acid (18 20) lactone-3-one (III).

EXAMPLE 16 6fl-dimethylaminomethyl-16a,I7a-isopr0pylidenedi0xy- 4-pregnene-3,20-dione (III) Following the procedure of Example 2 but substituting 3-tolyloxy-16a,l7aisopropylidenedioxy 3,5 pregnadien- 20-one (I) and dimethylamine (II), yields 6 3-dimethylaminomethyl-16a,17u-isopropylidenedioxy 4 pregnene- 3,20-dione (III).

EXAMPLE 17 6B-piperidinomethyl-16-methyl-4,16-pregnadiene- 3,20-di0ne (Ill Following the procedure of Example 2 but substituting 3-methoxy-16-methyl-3,5,16-pregnatrien-20-one (I) and piperidine (II), yields fifi-piperidinomethyl-lG-methyl- 4,16-pregnadiene-3,20-dione (III).

EXAMPLE 18 6 3- (2-pr0pylpiperidinomethyl) 7fl-hydroxy-I9-nor- 4-andr0sten-3-0ne' 17-pr0pionate (III) Following the procedure of Example 2 but substituting 3-propoxy-17 8-hydroxy-19-nor-3,5-androstadiene 17 propionate (I) and 2-propylpiperidine (11), yields GB-(Z-propylpiperidinomethyl)-17B-hydroxy 19' nor-4-androsten- 3-one l7-propionate (III).

9 EXAMPLE 19 6p-(2,6-dimethyl)piperidinomethyl-20p-hydr0xy-4- pregnen-3-0ne ZO-propz'onate (III) Following the procedure of Example 2 but substituting 3-decoxy-20fl-hydroxy-3,5-pregnadiene 20-propionate (I) and 2,6-dimethylpiperidine (II), yields 6,8-(2,6-dimethyl) piperidinomethyl-ZOfl-hydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one ZO-propionate (III).

EXAMPLE 20 6p-(methyl ethylaminomethyl) I7a,21 dihydroxy-I 1/3- formyloxy-4-pregnene-3,20-dione 21-acetate (Ill) Following the procedure of Example 2 but substituting 3-octoxy-17a,21 dihydroxy 11,3 formyloxy-3,5-pregnadien-ZO-one 2l-acetate (I) and methyl ethyl amine (11), yields Git-(methyl ethyl aminomethyl)-l7u,2l-dihydroxy- 11fl-formyloxy-4-pregnene-3,20-dione 21-acetate (III).

EXAMPLE 21 6fl-pyrrolidinamezhyl 11 3,] 7a,21 trihydroxy-1,4pregnadiene-3,20-dine 17,21-diacetate (III) Following the procedure of Example 2 but substituting S-methoxy 11B,17a,21 trihydroxy-1,3,5-pregnatrien-20- one 17,2l-diacetate (I) and pyrrolidine (II), yields 65- pyrrolidinomethyl 11B,17az,21 trihydroxy-l,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione 17,21-diacetate (III).

EXAMPLE 22 65 (3 ethylpyrrolidinomethyl) 2a methyl-116,1 70;,21- trihydroxy-4-pregnene-3,20-dione 21 -acetate (III) Following the procedure of [Example 2 but substituting 3 methoxy 2o: methyl-11p,17a,21-trihydroxy-3,5-pregnadien-ZO-one Zl-acetate (I) and 3-ethylpyrrolidine (II), yields 6 3-(3-etl1ylpyrrolidinomethyl) 20c methyl 11B, 17a,21-trihydroxy-4-pregnene-3,20-dione Zl-acetate (III).

EXAMPLE 23 65- (2,4-dimethylpyrrolidinomethyl) -11fl,17a-dihydr0xy- 21 -methyl-4-pregnene-3,20-dione (III) Following the procedure of Example 2 but substituting B-ethoxy 115,170: dihydroxy-Zl-methyl-3,5-pregnadien- 20-one (I) and 2,4-dimethylpyrrolidine (H), yields 63- (2,4-dimethylpyrrolidinomethyl)-11B,l7a dihydroxy-Zlmethyl-4-pregnene-3,ZO-dione (HI).

EXAMPLE 24 613-diethylamin0methy l-21 -flu0r0-1 7 u-hydroxy-4- pregnene-3,20-di0ne 17-acetate (III) Following the procedure of Example 2 but substituting 3-xylyloxy-2l fluoro-l7u-hydroxy-3,5-pregnadien-2fl one l7-acetate (I) and diethylamine (II), yields 6,9-diethylaminomethyl 21 fiuoro 17a-hydroxy-4-pregnene 3,20- dione 17-acetate (III).

EXAMPLE 25 Methyl 65-(N-phenyl-N-methylaminomethyl) 3,11- dz'0x0-4,1 7(20) -pregnadien-21-0ate (III) To 60 ml. of tetrahydrofuran containing 6.45 g. of methyl 3-methoxy-3,5, l7 20) -pregnatrien-1 l-oxo-Z 1 -oate (I) is added 6 ml. of 37% Formalin, 2.0 ml. N-methyl aniline (II) and 100 mg. of p-toluenesulfonic acid. This mixture is stirred at room temperature for about 45 minutes and poured into very dilute sodium carbonate. The

mixture is extracted with methylene chloride, dried over sodium sulfate and evaporated in vacuo to give a high yield of methyl 6p-(N-phenyl-N-methylaminomethyl-3,11- dioxo-4,l7(20)-pregnadien-21-oate (I11).

Using the procedure of Example 25 but substituting other compounds of Formula H, such as (1) N-ethyl aniline (II),

(2) diphenylamine (II),

(3) N-methyl-p-toluidine (II), (4) N-ethyl-p-toluidine (H), etc.,

yields, respectively,

EXAMPLE 26 6B- (N-methyl-N-phenylaminomrethyl)-17a-hydr0xy- 4-pregnene-3,20-dio.ne (III) Following the procedure of Example 25 but substituting 3-methoxy-l7a-hydroxy 3,5 pregnadien-20-one (I) yields fifi-(N-methyl N phenylaminomethyl)-l7a-hydroxy-4-pregnene-3,20-dione (III).

EXAMPLE 27 Methyl 6,6-(N-methyZ-N-phenylaminomethyl)-3,11-diox0- 1,4,17(20) -pregnatriene-21-oate (III) Following the procedure of Example 25 but substituting methyl 1a,3-dimethoxy 3,5,17(20) pregnatrien-llone-Zl-oate (I) yields 6B-(N-methyl-N-phenylaminomethyl) 3,11 dioxo 1,4,17(20)-pregnatriene-21-oate (III).

EXAMPLE 28 613- (N-methylanilinomethyl) 1 7,13-hydr0xy-1 7a-methyl- 4,9 (11 )-andr0stadien-3-one (III) Following the procedure of Example 25 but substituting 3-ethoxy 17/8 hydroxy-17a-methyl-3,5,9(l1)-androstatriene (I) and N-methylaniline (II), yields 6,6-(N-methylanilinomethyD-UB-hydroxy 17cc methyl 4,9(ll)-androstadien-B-one (III).

EXAMPLE 29 6 3-(N-methyl-p-toluidinomethyl) 9a fluoro 11,8,17m, 21-trihydroxy-4-pregnene-3,20-di0ne ZI-acetate (III) Following the procedure of Example 25 but substituting 3-anthryloxy 9a fluoro-l1B,17a,2l-trihydroxy-3,5- pregnadien-ZO-one 17-acetate (I) and N-methyl-p-toluidine (II), yields 6p-(N-methyl-p-toluidinomethyl)-9ufluoro 11fi,17|x,21 trihydroxy 4 pregnene-3,20-dione 2l-acetate (III).

EXAMPLE 30 65-diphenylamin0methyl-4-estrene-3,17-dione (111) Following the procedure of Example 25 but substituting 3-methoxy-3,5-estradien-l7-one (I) and diphenylamine (II), yields 6 8-diphenylaminomethyl-4-estrene-3,l7-dione (III).

EXAMPLE 31 6,8-ethylphenylaminomethyl-I 7-0xa-D-homo- 4-andr0stene-3,17-dione (III) Following the procedure of Example 25 but substituting 3 methoxy-17-oxa-D-homo-3,S-androstadien-17-one (I) and ethylphenylamine (II), yields 6B-ethylphenylaminomethyl-17-oxa-D-homo-4-androstene 3,17 dione (III).

EXAMPLE 32 6,6-(N-methylanilinomethyl)-9p3,10a-pregn- 4-ene-3,20-dione (III) Following the procedure of Example 25 but substituting 3-ethoxy-9p,l0a-pregna-3,S-dien-ZO-one (I) and N-methylaniline (II), yields 65-(N-methylanilinomethyl)95,1004- pregn-4-ene-3,20-dione (III).

EXAMPLE 33 65- (N -methyl-p-tluidinomethyl -1 7a-hydr0xy-1 6-methylene-4-pregnene-3,20-dione 17-acetate (Ill) Following the procedure of Example 25 but substituting 3-isopropoxy-l7a-hydroxy 16 methylene 3,5 pregnadien-20-one 17-acetate I) and N-methyl-p-toluidine ('11), yields 6;? (N-methyl) )-p-toluidinomethyl)-17a-hydroxy- 16-methylene-4-pregnene-3,20-dione 17-acetate (III).

I claim:

1. A process for the production of a steroid compound having in rings A and B of the steroid nucleus the structure:

wherein R and R are independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl of from one through twelve carbon atoms, hydroxyalkyl of from one through twelve carbon atoms, cycloalkyl of from three through eight carbon atoms, aryl of from six through fourteen carbon atoms, alkaryl wherein the aryl moiety is from six through fourteen carbon atoms and the alkyl group(s) substituted therein contain(s) from one through twelve carbon atoms, aralkyl wherein the alkyl moiety is from one through twelve carbon atoms and the aryl group(s) substituted therein contain(s) from six through fourteen carbon atoms, and R R and N when taken together form a secondary cyclic alkylene amino group containing from five through seven members, which comprises mixing a corresponding compound of the formula:

wherein R and R have the same meaning as above, with formaldehyde, a strong acid and a corresponding steroid compound having in rings A and B of the steroid nucleus the structure:

R ck Q wherein R has the same meaning as above.

2. A process in accordance with claim 1 wherein the compound of Formula III is 6B-piperidinomethyl-17ahydroxy-4-pregnene-3,20-dione 17-acetate, the compound of Formula II is piperidine and the compound of Formula I is 17m hydroxy 3 methoxy 3,5 pregnadien-ZO-one 17-acetate.

3. A process in accordance with claim 1 wherein the compound of Formula III is 65-N-methylanilinomethyl- 17a-hydroxy-4-pregnene-3,20-dione, the compound of Formula II is N-methylaniline and the compound of Formula I is 3-methoxy-17a-hydroxy-3,5-pregnadien-20-one.

4. A process in accordance with claim 1 wherein the compound of Formula III is methyl 6B-N-methylanilinomethyl 3,11 dioxo-1,4,17(20)-pregnatrien-21-oate, the compound of Formula II is N-methylaniline and the compound of Formula I is methyl 1ot,3-dimeth0xy-3,5,17 (20)-pregnatrien-1 1-on21-oate.

5. A process in accordance with claim 1 wherein the compound of Formula III is methyl 6fl-N-methylanilinomethyl 3,11 dioxo 4,17(20) pregnatrien-Zl-oate, the compound of Formula II is N-methylaniline and the compound of Formula I is methyl 3-methoxy-3,5,17(20)- pregnadiene-l 1-on-21-oate.

6. A process in accordance with claim 1 wherein the compounds of Formulae I and II, formaldehyde and the strong acid are mixed together in tetrahydrofuran.

7. A steroid compound selected from the group consisting of the androstane, 19-norandrostane, 95,100:- androstane, pregnane, 19-norpregnane, 9 3,10u-pregnane, spirostane, cholestane, ergostane and stigmastane series having in rings A and B of the steroid nucleus the structure:

wherein R and R are independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl of from one through twelve carbon atoms, hydroxyalkyl of from one through twelve carbon atoms, cycloalkyl of from three through eight carbon atoms, aryl of from six through fourteen carbon atoms, alkaryl wherein the aryl moiety is from six through fourteen carbon atoms and the alkyl group(s) substituted therein contain(s) from one through twelve carbon atoms, aralkyl wherein the alkyl moiety is from one through twelve carbon atoms and the aryl group(s) substituted therein contain(s) from six through fourteen carbon atoms, and R R and N when taken together form a secondary cyclic alkylene amino grotip containing from five through seven members.

8. (N methyl N phenylaminomethyl)-17a-hydroxy-4-pregnene-3,20-dione.

9. Methyl 6 8-(N-phenyl-N-methylaminomethyl)-3,11- dioxo-4,17(20)-pregnadien-21-oate.

US. Cl. X.R. 

